The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is urgently recruiting more volunteers to assist with the increasing number of stranded whales, dolphins, and porpoises along UK coasts. The rise in strandings, which has more than doubled since 2018, is attributed to factors such as man-made hazards, greater public awareness, and abundant coastal prey. Volunteers undergo specialized training using realistic equipment, including a life-sized two-tonne pilot whale model, to safely refloat stranded animals. Despite growing volunteer numbers, some coastal areas remain underserved, highlighting the need for more local responders.

BDMLR emphasizes that the public should not attempt to push stranded animals back into the water, as this can cause harm to both the animals and people. Instead, they advise keeping the animal cool and moist, minimizing noise and crowds, and contacting BDMLR for professional help. Volunteers are trained in first aid, safe handling, and personal safety to manage the risks of zoonotic diseases and injuries. Successful rescues are challenging but rewarding, with the ultimate goal of seeing the animals swim away strongly, indicating a good chance of survival.